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Thursday, 7 April 2016

I received a media invitation several weeks ago to an event on 4 April announcing a pitching competition for a publishing opportunity with Karangkraf and a chance for authors to adapt their works for a plethora of other media.

Since I couldn't personally attend, here's what I learnt about it from the organisers:

Perbadanan Kota Buku, Malaysia’s leading hub for publishers, authors and readers - in collaboration with Kumpulan Media Karangkraf and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) - are organising "Page to Pitch (P2P) Media 360".

This publishing-to-media pitching competition will be held in conjunction with the 9th edition of the Kuala Lumpur Trade and Copyright Centre (KLTCC), concurrent with the annual KL International Book Fair from 29 April to 9 May.

The competition is divided into two categories.

The first category, Idea to Publishing, promises the winner an opportunity to publish his or her book idea with Karangkraf that's worth up to RM50,000, a RM5,000 grand prize from Kota Buku and an international marketing opportunity after publication. This category is open to entrants from all ASEAN countries.

The second category, Book to Development, aims to adapt existing publications into different digital media content such as a feature film, TV series, animation, digital comics, games, apps and more. The winner of this category will receive a green lane for their application in the FINAS development grant worth up to RM500,000, a RM5,000 grand prize from Kota Buku, and an international marketing opportunity. This category is exclusively for Malaysians.

"We are aware that there are many undiscovered talented writers out there," says Sayed Munawar Sayed Mustar, CEO of Kota Buku. "Therefore, P2P is the golden opportunity for them to shine and get the recognition for their talent. We hope the competition will encourage not just our nation’s creative writers, but ASEAN writers as well to boost their talent and strive to enrich the publishing industry as a whole."

Shortlisted entries will be invited to pitch their ideas in front of a panel of local and international industry experts from 7 to 8 May 2016 during KLTCC 2016 at Hall D, MAEPS, Serdang, Selangor.

That means you have two weeks to send in your applications. All the best.

The Kuala Lumpur Trade Copyright Centre (KLTCC) is a rights fair held annually in Southeast Asia. It's the biggest trade and copyright fair in the region, drawing top publishers and rights agents to to network, buy, sell and research the latest trends in the market.

Perbadanan Kota Buku was established in 2011 as a part of Malaysia’s Book Policy, with a mandate to promote book development in the country. It gathers readers, writers and publishers for various book-related activities and offers various services to accomplish its mission.

I believe Kota Buku will be doing other stuff at the book fair as well on 7 and 8 May, introducing themselves to visitors and showcasing the services they offer. Might as well have a look when you're there.

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